The last thing you need to worry about on your big day is forgetting a key detail, so we’ve composed this comprehensive wedding checklist to help with the planning of your big day!

16-9 Months Before

  • Start a wedding binder for inspiration.
  • Sit down and figure out your budget based on your own contributions as well as your families’.
  • Decide on who you want to be in your wedding party.
  • Start creating the guest list – this is a necessity for items further on the list.
  • If you so choose, hire a wedding planner.
  • Reserve your date and pick out/book a wedding venue.
  • Book your officiant.
  • Research photographers, DJs, florists, caterers, and wedding cake designers.
  • If you so choose, throw an engagement party.

8 Months Before

  • Hire the photographer and videographer.
  • If you’re planning on having entertainment, book them.
  • Meet with your caterers.
  • Say ‘yes’ to the dress!
  • Reserve a hotel room block for guests coming from out of town.
  • Register for bridal shower and wedding gifts.
  • If you so choose, create a wedding website to document your progress and any important info.
  • 7-6 Months Before
  • Select and purchase wedding invitations.
  • Start planning your honeymoon.
  • Shop for bridesmaids’ dresses.
  • Meet with your officiant
  • Send out save-the-date cards or emails.
  • Book a florist.
  • Arrange your transportation.
  • Create a ‘day-of’ timeline.

5-4 Months Before

  • Book the rehearsal and rehearsal-dinner venues.
  • Approve wedding invitations.
  • Choose and order a wedding cake.
  • Provide the host of your shower with your guest list.
  • Purchase shoes for your wedding and begin dress fittings.
  • Choose and schedule hair and makeup artists.
  • Choose the music for your wedding day.

3 Months Before

  • Finalize the menu and flower arrangements.
  • Order wedding favors.
  • Decide who will be giving speeches.
  • Finalize the readings, if applicable.
  • Finalize the order of the ceremony and reception.
  • Print menu cards, name places, and programs.
  • Purchase your rings.
  • Send your event schedule to your vendors.

2 Months Before

  • Touch base with all vendors and ensure all questions have been answered.
  • Meet with your photographer.
  • Review the playlist with your DJ.
  • Send out your wedding invitations.
  • Submit a newspaper wedding announcement.
  • Have your Stag and Doe.

1 Month Before

  • Enter RSVPs into your guest-list database.
  • Get your marriage license.
  • Mail the rehearsal dinner invitations.
  • Last dress fitting.
  • Using RSVPs, order alcohol for the event accordingly.
  • Provide final payments.
  • Confirm times for hair and makeup and additional vendors.
  • Provide directions to drivers of transport vehicles.
  • Create a seating map.
  • Purchase wedding party gifts.
  • Write vows, if applicable.

During the Week Of

  • Delegate wedding day tasks.
  • Send a timeline to the bridal party.
  • Pick up your wedding dress.
  • Check in one last time with your photographer and videographer.
  • Set aside checks for vendors with tips in envelopes.
  • Send your guest list to the caterer and wedding venue.
  • Select undergarments for the wedding day.
  • Break in your shoes.
  • Get a manicure and pedicure.
  • Pack for your honeymoon.

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